On January 16, 2021, at approximately 3:45 AM, Sergeant Jon Burger was traveling northbound on Franklin Street, north of CR 400 North. He began to travel behind a silver Honda passenger vehicle. The vehicle caught the attention of Sergeant Burger due to a license plate not being visible.
A traffic stop was initiated along Franklin Street, south of US 20. Once the vehicle had stopped, Sergeant Burger observed a temporary license plate that was not properly secured to the rear of the vehicle. In addition, the temporary license plate did not belong on the sliver Honda, rather was registered to a green Ford.
The driver was identified as Susan D. HOPPER (24 YOA) of Warsaw, Indiana. The passenger was identified as Blake J. BROWN (28 YOA) of South Bend, Indiana.
Michigan City Police Department Officer Michael Petrie and his K9 partner Edo arrived to assist. Officer Petrie deployed Edo around the exterior of the vehicle for a free-air sniff to which Edo provided a positive alert. A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded illegal drugs and drug paraphernalia.
HOPPER and BROWN were taken into custody and transported to the La Porte County Jail (LCJ).
HOPPER was arrested for Dealing in a Narcotic Drug (L2 Felony) and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe (L6 Felony). She remains housed in the LCJ and is being held on a $50,005.00 cash-only bond through Superior Court I.
BROWN was arrested for Possession of a Narcotic Drug (L6 Felony) and Possession of a Hypodermic Syringe (L6 Felony). He remains housed in the LCJ and is being held without bond.
Assisting: Deputy Austin Wells, Deputy Jet Balenia and Deputy Austin Howell
Arrests and criminal charges are mere accusations. Every person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.